YREKA – “I can’t believe it’s been 24.5 years since I heard those words,” said Rona Tranchina, a nail technician who has survived breast cancer twice.

Tranchina was just 33 years old and had been married a 14 months when she discovered a walnut-sized lump during a self-examination, her first indication of the disease.

That was in 1989. At the time, doctors lacked many of the genetic tests and diagnostic knowledge they have today, so it was quite a surprise for both Tranchina and her doctors when a malignant tumor went from undetectable during a routine physical to walnut-sized in the short span of seven weeks.

Tranchina’s cancer was the result of BRCA #1, an uncommon and hereditary genetic mutation that produces aggressive forms of the disease. Tranchina’s proved so hostile that her one tumor contained three different strains of cancer.

“At 33, it’s quite the shock,” said Tranchina, asserting her proactiveness and that of her doctors is what saved her life.

She said she did not think or hesitate when the diagnosis came in; she simply thought of doing the best with what she had and was on the operating table two and a half weeks later.

Her first bout with cancer would take a full year out of her life with debilitating treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“It seems like its never going to stop. Then it does,” Tranchina said. “Everything about me began to change.”

She said her outlook on life became different, softening her as a person. One example she noted was that she now observed the significance of her birthdays, something she had never considered worthwhile before.

Tranchina said it is sad to see those come out the other side of battling breast cancer as harder people, more frustrated and more depressed.

Twenty-one years later, in May 2010, the breast cancer returned. Having been diagnosed before, Tranchina said she looked at things a lot differently. With her personal battles conquered during round one, she decided to get involved in the larger fight.

Tranchina joined Relay for Life, put together a team and helps raise money for the American Cancer Society every year to support cancer research as well as local programs out of the Redding office such as wig, transportation and counseling services.

“That’s what round two did for me – that and take both of my breasts,” Tranchina said. She added that new laws meant her insurance company was responsible for her reconstructive surgery, which it was not required to do back in 1989.

As a result, she will not have to “deal with the lopsidedness of life” for another 20 years.

Page 2 of 2 - Today, Tranchina said she has a clean bill of health although the genes still lie in wait “like a time bomb.” Undaunted, she looks forward to retiring and spending time with her grandchildren.

She said she’s thankful progress in genetic mapping and more advanced preventative testing will save her daughter, who has been identified for the mutation, and her grandchildren from the “anguish, pain and suffering.”

“When potential death knocks on your door twice, you learn to be flexible and appreciate the small things in life,” Tranchina said. “It wasn’t easy going through it, but on the outside, I have a greater appreciation for life and a bigger heart.”

Tranchina is thankful to her husband, Jim Tranchina, for his support throughout the years, as well as the surrounding care of her friends and family. She noted how important community and support are and that others would be amazed at how many people want to help.

Speaking to women who might be diagnosed with breast cancer one day, Tranchina said, “Don’t be a victim. You’re life will be yours again. Accept the help. Do some soul searching. Find out what the experience is doing for you.”